Review - Absence of Light by Rick Giernoth

Taken off the streets at the tender age of 12, Helen was “rescued” by David Washington, founder of a separatist hate group. Now in her 20’s, the lost youth knows nothing but hatred, a hatred that leads to her death and re‑emergence.

Helen has an ability the Legions of Hell want, she has seen the path to the afterlife but still walks among Heaven’s hopefuls. They need her to scar the one who spurned them. To save her, a hidden sect of the Church, The Order of Camerone, fight the supernatural.

The battle begins, might versus will, revenge versus hope, and the second Son of God.

Religion, faith, truth, and the ever after are touchy and delicate subjects that must be handled with care. Not in so much as to not offend, but to keep from coming off as preachy, heavy handed and holier-than-thou.

Unfortunately this story has all the subtlety of a drunk Rhino in a China shop.

The story itself is good, there is no doubt about that. The first chapter easily got my attention and took no prisoners in its bid to touch every hot button issue in America today. But it never backs off. A well written story has levels, letting the action and drama rise and fall as the overall plot advances towards the climax. This story kicked it into high gear and never slowed down.

These two elements combined into a story that, while sound as far as plot goes, ends up feeling like listening to a church sermon at gun point.

That said, if you are very enthusiastic about the Christian Mythos, then this book is definitely for you.